India Dominate Ireland in Belfast T20I
India registered a comprehensive 10-wicket victory over Ireland in the second T20I at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on June 28, 2026. With this win, India clinched the two-match series 2-0, having won the first T20I by 33 runs.
Ireland Innings: A Competitive Start Fizzles Out
Batting first, Ireland posted 152/8 in their 20 overs. Opener Paul Stirling top-scored with a brisk 50 off 37 balls, while captain Andrew Balbirnie contributed 34. However, regular wickets at crucial junctures prevented Ireland from building a substantial partnership. For India, pacer Arshdeep Singh was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3/28 in his four overs. Spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar Patel took two wickets each, stifling Ireland's scoring rate in the middle overs.
India's Chase: Ruthless and Unbeaten
Chasing 153, India's openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson made light work of the target. The duo added an unbeaten 153-run partnership, with Gaikwad smashing 81 off 55 balls, including 10 fours and 3 sixes. Samson remained not out on 67 off 46 deliveries, hitting 8 boundaries and 2 sixes. India reached 153/0 in just 17.3 overs, winning with 15 balls to spare.
Series Sweep for India
The victory marked India's second consecutive T20I series win in Ireland, following a 2-0 sweep in 2023. Captain Jasprit Bumrah praised the team's all-round performance, stating, "The bowlers set it up nicely, and the openers finished it off in style. This series win gives us confidence as we prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup." Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie acknowledged India's dominance, saying, "We were competitive but not consistent enough. India showed why they are one of the best sides in the world."
Key Performances and Statistics
Arshdeep Singh's 3/28 earned him the Player of the Match award. Gaikwad's 81 was his highest T20I score, while Samson's 67 continued his rich vein of form. India's 10-wicket victory margin was their largest against Ireland in T20Is, surpassing the previous best of 8 wickets in 2023.
